We cordially invite you to take part in a Netias Debates at HIAS on Nov. 27-28, 2025. 
The purpose is to bring together research fellows within NetIAS and adjacent institutions and to instigate network and conversation on Computational Practices for Pluriversal AI, across disciplinary boundaries and global south and north context. 

This Netias Debates is organized by HIAS Fellow Rachel Charlotte Smith in collaboration with the University of Hamburg and the AIAS Institute of Advanced Studies. It follows on from a Netias Debates at Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (Jan. 15, 2025), focusing on computational practices in ‘the rest of the world’, and Bologna (Sept. 10-11, 2024), emphasizing European perspectives on natural language processing within computing.

Abstract

Developments of technology design in artificial intelligent systems, such as generative AI, most prominently large and small language models, pattern recognition, affective computing, automated and predictive data-driven algorithmic systems, are closely linked to Western traditions of technology, knowledge and political economies – designed, through perceptions of ‘intelligence’,  ‘efficiency’ and ‘growth’. Little attention has been given to how these advanced sociotechnological systems are developed, designed, implemented, used, infrastructured, regulated, critiqued, or in other ways practiced in the global south(s).

The promotion of Western epistemologies, one-size-fits-all technologies, and the transferability of design methods to diverse contexts, continues to advance the Western idea of technology as universal to design and research. Yet, contemporary societal challenges of social injustice, economic inequality, political instability, and ecological crisis pertaining to worldwide concerns, urge us to address local aspects of policy, knowledge, data justice, ownership, and increasing AI divides at different scales. Through interactive sessions, the symposium will collect critical reflections on the position of computational research and cases in diverse global contexts, to advance the diversity, equity and pluriversality of AI technologies.

The symposium addresses how technological developments relate to the formation of more pluriversal futures through core concerns of: (1) state-of-the-art examples of decolonizing practices and epistemologies in and for contemporary technology design and research, (2) theoretical discourses for advancing equitability, responsibility, and sustainability integrated into concrete practices, policies, methodologies, and modes of knowledge production for pluriversal research and technology design in and across global south(s) and global north(s).

Participation

Participation is free and open to all interested. Participation can be with or without a paper presentation. Paper presentations can outline existing research, but can also be in the form of ideas, reflections, or work in progress. The event is free, but home institutions are expected to cover travel and accommodation. Sessions I and II on Thursday can be attended online as well.

The event will take place at HIAS in Hamburg but will be broadcasted via video link. A limited number of presenters will be allowed to present online. All participants will be asked to send a 100-word biography, and all presenters who wish to present their research will be asked to send an abstract of 300 words. 

APPLY here – with a short bio of 100 words (for all), and an optional abstract of 300 words (for presenters). Deadline: Oct. 27, 2025